### Lakers GM Under Fire as Dorian Finney-Smith Joins Rockets in Controversial Free Agency Move The NBA free agency period has ignited significant drama, particularly for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have lost key player Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. Finney-Smith's departure, confirmed by multiple reports, comes as a surprise to some, especially given the Lakers' efforts to retain him. The situation has raised eyebrows regarding the actions of Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, who has been accused of "sabotaging" Finney-Smith's free agency process. The forward signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Rockets, marking a pivotal moment in the Lakers' offseason strategy as they now pivot to other roster needs [https://nypost.com/2025/07/02/sports/lakers-gm-accused-of-shady-move-in-nba-free-agency, https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/lakers-pelinka-nba-free-agency-1237222]. ### Breakdown of the Lakers' Offseason Challenges and Moves 1. **Loss of Dorian Finney-Smith**: - Finney-Smith, who averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds during his time with the Lakers, opted out of his player option and subsequently signed with the Rockets [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/dorian-finney-smith-leaving-lakers-will-sign-with-rockets-on-four-year-53-million-deal-per-report]. - His exit is seen as a significant blow to the Lakers, who had hoped to retain him as a defensive asset [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_lose_key_free_agent_to_rockets/s1_127_42397646]. 2. **Accusations Against GM Rob Pelinka**: - Pelinka has faced criticism for his handling of Finney-Smith's situation, with allegations of mismanagement during the free agency process [https://nypost.com/2025/07/02/sports/lakers-gm-accused-of-shady-move-in-nba-free-agency]. - The Lakers reportedly offered a shorter deal to Finney-Smith, which may have contributed to his decision to leave [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-rumors-la-offered-dorian-finney-smith-rockets]. 3. **Future Moves for the Lakers**: - Following Finney-Smith's departure, the Lakers are expected to shift their focus to acquiring a center, with potential targets including Brook Lopez and Deandre Ayton [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_expected_to_lose_dorian_finney_smith_eyeing_center_options/s1_17038_42396440]. - The Lakers have access to the full mid-level exception, which they plan to utilize to strengthen their roster [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_expected_to_lose_dorian_finney_smith_eyeing_center_options/s1_17038_42396440]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Dorian Finney-Smith's Performance**: - In the 2024-25 season, Finney-Smith played 43 games for the Lakers, averaging **7.9 points**, **3.6 rebounds**, and shooting **40% from three-point range** [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_lose_key_free_agent_to_rockets/s1_127_42397646]. - **Contract Details**: - Finney-Smith's new contract with the Rockets is valued at **$53 million** over four years, providing him with long-term financial security despite a lower annual salary compared to his previous player option [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/dorian-finney-smith-leaving-lakers-will-sign-with-rockets-on-four-year-53-million-deal-per-report]. ### Conclusion: Lakers Face Uncertain Future After Key Departure The Lakers are now at a crossroads following Dorian Finney-Smith's exit, which has not only weakened their roster but also raised questions about the management strategies employed by GM Rob Pelinka. 1. **Impact of Finney-Smith's Departure**: The loss of a versatile defender and role player like Finney-Smith could have significant implications for the Lakers' defensive capabilities moving forward. 2. **Management Scrutiny**: Pelinka's decisions are under scrutiny, with accusations of mismanagement potentially affecting his standing within the organization. 3. **Future Strategies**: The Lakers must now pivot to the center market to fill the void left by Finney-Smith, utilizing their mid-level exception to secure a new player who can contribute to their championship aspirations. The unfolding events in the Lakers' offseason will be critical as they seek to rebound from this setback and re-establish themselves as contenders in the Western Conference [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_expected_to_lose_dorian_finney_smith_eyeing_center_options/s1_17038_42396440].